Introduces Enhancements to SDE-4AV-QAM Encoder to Enable Superior Video Quality at Lower Bit Rates
OLD BRIDGE, N.J. -- Aug. 12, 2014 -- Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE MKT:BDR) today announced the HDE-HVC-PRO, a new MPEG-2 SD/HD professional series encoder designed to deliver superior motion optimization for fast-paced programming, including live sports events. In addition, the company announced enhancements to its SDE-4AV-QAM MPEG-2 SD encoder, which enables operators to deliver more SD channels at lower bit rates. Both the HDE-HVC-PRO and SDE-4AV-QAM encoders bring increased levels of video quality and bandwidth efficiency to the broadcast, cable, and hospitality markets.
"Video quality is critical to business success in the competitive television world. With this in mind, we developed the HDE-HVC-PRO so that operators delivering television programming with fast-paced motion, such as a live soccer match, can offer a crisper image to viewers," said Jeff Smith, vice president of sales at Blonder Tongue. "We've also added improvements to our SDE-4AV-QAM encoder, including lower bit rate optimization, to address the growing consumer demand for better video quality."
Perfect for local distribution and retail applications, Blonder Tongue's HDE-HVC-PRO encoder allows operators to accept SD and HD programming from a variety of sources and deliver video content, including visually stunning movies and high-motion sports, with crystal-clear quality. Using the encoder, operators can accept either one HD program from an unencrypted HDMI, VGA, or component input, or up to four SD programs in NTSC baseband AV format. Each AV input program is digitized, MPEG-2 encoded, and multiplexed into one multiprogram transport stream (MPTS), then simultaneously delivered as a single QAM, ASI, or IP output.
The recent upgrade to Blonder Tongue's SDE-4AV-QAM encoder offers significant enhancements to customers. The MPEG-2 SD encoder now features the same fast-motion estimation capabilities available in the company's new HDE-4S-PRO encoder as well as improved SD performance. By encoding SD programs at lower bit rates, the SDE-4AV-QAM allows operators to deliver more SD channels per QAM without impacting video quality. This allows operators to cost-effectively expand their channel lineup and increase viewer satisfaction. With the optional HD-PRO software upgrade, the unit is configurable in either HD or SD mode via Web interface. Through a simple firmware update, existing customers can take advantage of the new motion optimization capabilities.
Both the HDE-HVC-PRO and SDE-4AV-QAM encoders support real-time Dolby(R) Digital audio encoding to ensure a superior audio experience for end users. They are also equipped with closed captioning (EIA-608) and an Emergency Alert System (EAS) interface. A front-panel RF test point allows for monitoring/testing of the QAM output without service interruption. Comprehensive remote monitoring and control can be achieved using any standard Web browser via a rear-panel 10/100Base-T Ethernet connection. The encoders include a -48VDC power option, providing operators with an energy-efficient, safe, and standards-compliant solution.
More information on Blonder Tongue and its products is available at www.blondertongue.com.
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About Blonder Tongue
Blonder Tongue Laboratories, Inc. (NYSE MKT:BDR) together with R. L. Drake Holdings, LLC -- its wholly owned subsidiary -- offer customers more than 130 years of combined engineering and manufacturing excellence with solid histories of delivering reliable, quality products. As a leader in the field of cable television communications, the Company provides system operators and integrators serving the cable, broadcast, satellite, IPTV, institutional, and professional video markets with comprehensive solutions for the provision of content contribution, distribution, and video delivery to homes and businesses. The Company designs, manufactures, sells, and supports an equipment portfolio of standard- and high-definition digital video solutions, as well as core analog video and high-speed data solutions for distribution over coax, fiber, and IP networks. Additional information on the Company and its products can be found at www.blondertongue.com and www.rldrake.com.
"Safe Harbor" Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995: The information set forth above includes "forward-looking" statements and, accordingly, the cautionary statements contained in Blonder Tongue's Annual Report and Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 (See Item 1: Business, Item 1A: Risk Factors, Item 3: Legal Proceedings and Item 7: Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations), and other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission are incorporated herein by reference. The words "believe", "expect", "anticipate", "project", "target", "intend", "plan", "seek", "estimate", "endeavor", "should", "could", "may", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In addition, any statements that refer to projections for our future financial performance, our anticipated growth trends in our business and other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which reflect management's analysis only as of the date hereof. Blonder Tongue undertakes no obligation to publicly revise these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances that arise after the date hereof. Blonder Tongue's actual results may differ from the anticipated results or other expectations expressed in Blonder Tongue's "forward-looking" statements.
Photo Link: www.202comms.com/BlonderTongue/BlonderTongue_HDE-HVC-PRO.jpg
Photo Caption: Blonder Tongue HDE-HVC-PRO Encoder
